Michael Earle Reese entered into eternal rest on July 3, 2018, his 73rd birthday, after a long illness. He was born in Greenville to Willie Earl Reese and Dorothy Lucille Bagwell. He spent his childhood in Poe Mill in Greenville and Stewartsville VA. He joined the Navy as a teenager and served on the USS Nipmuc. While docked in Boston, he met the love of his life, Claire Degurski of Chelsea MA. After marrying in 1965, they lived in Malden MA for 23 years where they raised their two daughters: Kerry Ann and Michelle. Mike worked for the Boston Gas Company until the family moved to Anderson in 1988. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement. He was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and served as the Chair of the Board of Deacons. Michael was a very intelligent and hard-working man who took night classes, volunteered with the union, and often worked a 2nd job while still being involved with his children. He was a very proud and tender-hearted father. Kind, generous and charming, he excelled at singing, dancing and making people laugh. He was a bright light wherever he went and he never met a stranger. He was predeceased by his parents and his infant brother Donald. He is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart, Claire Reese. He also leaves behind his adoring daughters, Kerry Harding (Alan) of Woodruff and Michelle Thrasher (Fred Perry) of Waterloo. He was the proud Papa of Hailey Thrasher, Nick Thrasher and Sammie Whitworth, Charlie Thrasher, Ben Harding, and Tommy Harding. He had one great-grandchild, Arabella Grace Thrasher. He is survived by 4 siblings, Linda Bridges, Douglas Barrett, Frank Barrett and Enola Gaye Delafosse. The family will receive friends at McDougald Funeral Home in Anderson on Friday, July 13, 2018 between 6 and 8 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Lebanon Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Harry Warren and Reverend Wayne Watson officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lebanon Baptist Church, 5150 Gentry Road, Anderson, SC 29621. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. Events Visitation Friday, July 13, 2018 6:00PM - 8:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Memorial service Saturday, July 14, 2018 11:00AM Lebanon Baptist Church Anderson, SC, US ,